Membership, Education & Advocacy Program

Research & Development Technical Section (RDTS)

Strengthening the community pipeline—membership growth, education pathways, and public-facing advocacy across the energy landscape.

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Program Leadership Overview Initiatives Resources Contribute
Program Leadership

Membership, Education & Advocacy Leadership Team

Primary points of contact for RDTS membership growth, education pathways, and outreach.

Prof. Khaled Enab

Program Chair

My research integrates experimental rock–fluid characterization, physics-based modeling, and AI-driven analytics to understand the fundamentals of the fluid flow in tight formations and advance subsurface energy systems, including CO₂ storage, enhanced oil recovery, and geothermal systems.

A. Christopher Hawe

Deputy Program Chair

Drives execution for education and outreach initiatives, including mentoring, academia–industry engagement, and program logistics.

Mohammad Al Badran

Member-at-Large

Advancing drilling and workover technologies, drawing on extensive patented innovations (8 workover-related) and retired as Aramco EXPEC ARC’s Drilling Technology Chief Technologist and Drilling Methods Champion

For general inquiries, please contact sperdts@outlook.com.

Program Overview

Mission

Education, professional development, and public engagement across the energy landscape.

Mission: To enhance community understanding and appreciation of the oil and gas industry’s critical role within the global and diversified energy landscape by promoting education, professional development, and public engagement.

Membership Growth
Academia–Industry Bridge
Mentorship
K-12 Outreach
Energy Literacy
Advocacy
Objectives & Initiatives

2025–2026 Focus Areas

Actionable programs to strengthen the talent pipeline and improve energy literacy.
Objective 1

Strengthen the Connection Between Academia and Industry

Goal: 

  • Foster collaboration between students, educators, and professionals to bridge academic learning and real-world energy sector practice.
  • Develop joint academic–industry senior design projects and internship programs to provide hands-on experience.
  • Host faculty–industry networking sessions to align curricula with evolving industry needs.
  • Maintain an online mentorship platform connecting students with SPE professionals for career guidance.
  • Develop industry-inspired curricula for advanced selective courses.
  • Inspire High School Students to Pursue Careers in Energy
Objective 2
  • Cultivate early interest in petroleum engineering and energy-related disciplines among pre-college students.
  • Conduct interactive workshops and energy demonstrations showcasing exploration, drilling, and sustainability practices.
  • Develop age-appropriate educational materials explaining the role of oil and gas in the energy transition.
  • Partner with local schools to create energy literacy programs and career awareness days.
  • Sponsor competitions and science fairs related to energy innovation and sustainability.
Resources

Toolkits, Mentorship, and Outreach Materials

A simple knowledge hub for members, educators, and volunteers.
Mentorship

Online Mentorship Platform

Central place to match students and early-career professionals with RDTS mentors, including office hours and career guidance sessions.

Mentorship page (add link)
Education

Industry-Inspired Curriculum Modules

Short modules that educators can integrate into advanced selective courses (materials, digital, sustainability, reservoir, etc.).

Curriculum repository (add link)
Outreach

High School Energy Literacy Kit

Slide deck + hands-on activity ideas + age-appropriate one-pagers explaining energy systems and the transition.

Outreach kit (add link)
Get Involved

Contribute & Collaborate with the MEA Program

Volunteers, speakers, mentors, and educators are welcome.

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Mentor students and early-career professionals (virtual or in-person).
  • Help design an academia–industry senior design project or internship framework.
  • Support local high-school workshops, career days, and science fair judging.
  • Contribute curriculum modules or guest lectures.
Email the MEA leadership team

Partner With RDTS

We welcome partnerships with universities, SPE sections, technical sections, and industry organizations to scale education and outreach impact.

  • Co-host an education or outreach event.
  • Provide speakers, demos, or learning materials.
  • Sponsor student competitions and energy innovation challenges.
See RDTS Section Officers

For broader RDTS information, visit the main RDTS Home.

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